2 replies to this topic

[Scuderia07]

So I have just purchased my first digital camera about a week ago. A D5600. Unfortunately I wasn't able to buy it until now, and I am going to a Formula 1 race in about a week. I wish I had more time to practice.

Anyway, I am completely new to photography and dslrs. Any advice as to how to get somewhat up to speed ASAP for the race? I have spent a lot of time learning the basics about ISO, Aperture, and shutter speed. I am trying to apply them to taking pictures. Should I just photograph the cars in auto since I am so new? Or someone mentioned perhaps use the "S" control on the dial so I can control shutter speed but the camera will do the rest? Any advice would be appreciated to help me get as much as possible out of my camera during the race weekend.

BTW, the two lenses I have are the NIKKOR 18-55mm VR that came with the body and I also bought the 70-300mm VR for the race.

[Merco_61]

A week is on the short side to familiarize yourself with a new camera. I think you will get more predictable results if you set the camera to the Sports scene mode.

Once you have some keepers, you can play around with the shutter priority settings (S mode). Using a short shutter speed (high number) will freeze the action, following the car with the lens (panning) and using a longer speed can give a nice blurry background that accentuates the speed. The thing to remember about shutter speeds is that they are, in fact, fractions in the normal ranges, so larger numbers are shorter.

[Malice]

Even though I've had a bit more time than a mere week to familiarize myself with my camera, I'd also let the camera do most of the "work" (i.e. use the Sports scene mode as mentioned by Merco_61). 

 

Additionally, I'd switch to "Burst mode" (apologies if that's not the correct term in english). Meaning the mode, where you press the shutter release and keep it pressed so that the camera will take a series of pictures until you release the button. This can fill the memory card quite quickly, so don't overdo it, but it helps to have a larger selection afterwards to pick the "right" moment.

 

I don't know have difficult that will be in Montréal (next race is in Montréal, right?), but trying to switch locations might be something to try out. Obstacles like fences and so on can be quite disturbing. Maybe you can find a location somewhere on the stairs or another freely accessible place to take some pictures (depending on your seating of course) to switch things up a little.

 

And remember, there'll be more than just red cars that will be participating...